The life of a survivor and a peacemaker, Depression to 911

Chris Phillips

I am a veteran editor for friends and family as well as most of my employment positions. I make books out of my friends' writing as well as help them to smooth out what they say, how they say it and hopefully get the best expressions. I have been doing this for 20+ years. I often find myself reading a book and correcting problems I see even after the works have been professional published from big name publishers.

A Penny For the Violin Man by Eli Rill

A Penny For the
Violin Man by Eli Rill ISDN 978-0-615-33807-1

Rill writes a historical fiction novel detailing the life of a second
generation German Jew growing up and living in New York City. Norman Schecter
is the main character. Norman was born on New Year’s Day 1899/1900. Through the
book he ages to 105 years old. There are segments interspersed from both the
past and the future in book time. The Prologue begins with Norman at 99
entering the Twin Towers on 9/11. He turns 100 shortly thereafter. Chapter 1 reverts
to the Summer of 1937, on Amboy
Street in the Brownsville
section of Brooklyn.

From the tenements of Depression Brownsville, Norman is trying to organize
the teachers into a union while losing his part time teaching position with the
school system. Countering Norman’s main
character is the title character going by George Dakis. Showing vignettes of the
Violin man performing in the back of the tenements for pennies thrown by shy
listeners Rill shows a talented and honor-bound performer, seeking anonymity in
the borough. The Violin Man’s real name is Manos Pulyakis which is revealed in
glimpses from his past that provide the motivation for his immigration. The
Violin Man’s tale gives an excellent break with very interesting overtones added
to the plot twists.

The reader learns of the many people active in Norman’s life, or in some
cases, the lives he is most active in. There is Alan the boyhood friend whose
father is losing money on his furrier business. There is Marsa, Norman’s wife.
She is a Russian Jew, who has immigrated to marry Norman while her family
stayed in Germany. The family connections are very strong for Norman’s parents
are present and active in Norman’s life. Ira is Norman’s son. Ira has the
attention of the neighborhood bully but is deft at diplomacy whether dealing
with a bully or his arguing grandparents. There is “Finky”, Charlie
Finkelstein’s wife, Charlie being the local ne’er-do-well in jail through the
first years of the book. Hers is a twisted tale that adds depth to the story.
There is Elissa Jackman, the promising activist pupil of Norman’s trying to organize the students
against Administration demands. She is permanently disabled from falling off a
fence during a protest and provides many thought provoking ideas for Norman and
the reader.

The many minor characters are as interesting, if more stereotypical. There
are the others in the union, Jerry Goldstein, a hard nosed card carrying
Communist, Mark Dysart, an almost reactionary supporter of more agreement with
the administration to gain back jobs for
the unemployed, and Connie Washington, the “colored” member of the union trying
to just get some equality for both women and blacks. In another union are
Elissa’s parents who are also organizers and liberal thinkers disconcerted by
Elissa’s accident.

Rill is an excellent writer showing talent and follow-through. There are
time changes, with memory reflections back to previous times in the various
parts of the story. These do not seem to have any common elements appearing
almost to be randomly placed throughout the book. As a sign of his talent
though, the book is still very worth the read.

Rill has reconstructed the struggles and the desperation of the Depression
Years in Norman’s life. He has depicted the spirit and the resolve that kept
many sane throughout those devastating times. The drama of 911 is realistically
depicted and as well its effect on Norman after having lost almost everyone
that he knew during his younger years. The plot is full of tragedy, loss and
yet a stoic optimism that life is to be lived with what each is given.

Any history buffs, any Jewish and Depression buffs and almost anyone wanting
an excellent read should get this book. It is worth effort to follow this tale
to its completion.

4.5 Stars

Published by Circle of Life Publishing, 8901 Eton Ave., #109, Canoga Park,
CA 91304(www.apennyfortheviolinman.com)
(SRP $24.95/Amazon $18.96) Reviewer received the book from the publicist.